Washington County Disaster Risk
Washington County, New York
FEMA Risk Rating
Relatively Low
National Percentile
57th
of 3,144 counties
State Rank
#46
of 62 (1 = highest risk)
Flood Risk
71th
percentile
Hazard Risk Breakdown
Flood
River, coastal, and surface flooding risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 71% of US counties
Wildfire
Wildland and wildland-urban interface fire risk
Very Low
Higher than 20% of US counties
Tornado
Tornado and severe thunderstorm risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 44% of US counties
Earthquake
Seismic activity and ground shaking risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 59% of US counties
Hurricane
Tropical cyclone and hurricane risk
Relatively Low
Higher than 73% of US counties
Risk Overview
About Natural Disaster Risk in Washington County, New York
Washington County well below national average
With a composite risk score of 56.62, Washington County ranks as relatively low risk—substantially safer than the national average for natural disaster exposure. This favorable position reflects a county where multiple hazards exist but none reach critical levels, making it one of New York's better-protected communities.
Among New York's safest counties
Washington County's 56.62 score falls significantly below New York's state average of 69.42, placing it well above the median in terms of safety. Within the state's 62 counties, Washington ranks firmly in the lower-risk tier, benefiting from geographic and demographic factors that reduce overall disaster exposure.
Comparable to Warren, far safer than Westchester
Washington County (56.62) is nearly identical in risk to nearby Wayne County (56.27) but far safer than Westchester County (96.18) to the south. This pattern shows how regional variation in hazards—particularly earthquake and flood exposure—creates distinct risk profiles across upstate New York.
Hurricanes and floods pose greatest threats
Hurricane risk (72.72) and flood risk (70.74) dominate Washington County's hazard profile, both well above the county's overall average score. Tornado risk (43.73) presents a secondary concern, while earthquake and wildfire threats remain relatively contained.
Flood and wind coverage essential
Washington County residents should prioritize flood insurance and ensure their homeowners policy includes robust wind and hurricane coverage. Given the county's water-related and storm-driven risks, these two protection layers address over 70% of your disaster vulnerability.
Source: FEMA National Risk Index · Narrative reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
Preparedness Guide
What to Prepare for in Washington County
Top Hazards by Exposure
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.19.0 · Percentiles are national (3,144 counties)
Risk Advisory: Washington County
Risk Verdict
Washington County ranks at the 57th percentile nationally for natural disaster risk — below the median for U.S. counties. Residents are encouraged to understand which hazards dominate locally and tailor their preparedness accordingly.
Hazard Breakdown
Hurricane risk is Washington County's dominant natural hazard, ranked at the 73th percentile nationally under FEMA's National Risk Index. Flood ranks second at the 71th percentile nationally. Additional tracked hazards include earthquake (59th percentile), tornado (44th percentile), wildfire (20th percentile).
Preparedness Context
Washington County ranks at the 73th percentile nationally for hurricane risk. For coastal counties, wind-resistant shutters or impact-rated windows represent the highest single structural investment for reducing property damage. Washington County's flood exposure at the 71th percentile nationally adds a hazard layer that can persist or intensify after hurricane-force winds have passed, particularly in low-lying inland areas. For extended post-storm outages common in Washington County's hurricane zone, a portable generator (operated outdoors only) and a supply of non-perishable food for at least seven days provides meaningful household resilience.
Regional Context
A composite score 12.8 points below the New York state average puts Washington County in a better-than-typical position relative to neighboring counties.
Is your household prepared for Washington County's hazards?
Review FEMA's county-specific preparedness checklists and emergency planning guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the natural disaster risk in Washington County, NY?
What types of natural hazards affect Washington County?
How does Washington County risk compare to the New York average?
Is Washington County at risk for hurricane?
How is natural disaster risk measured?
Is Washington County a safe place to live?
Data Source
Risk data sourced from the FEMA National Risk Index (NRI). Risk scores are relative rankings (0–100) across all US counties — not absolute risk measures. Higher scores indicate higher relative risk compared to other counties.
Disclaimer: This data is informational only. It is not financial, insurance, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making insurance or real estate decisions.